USWatercraft said it still plans to expand its workboat manufacturing in Hubert, N.C. The boatbuilder will continue to focus on building aluminum, steel and composite boats that are strong enough to handle the demands of the commercial workboat industry.
The 70,000-sq.-ft. manufacturing space USWatercraft will occupy in North Carolina is part of a larger waterfront boatbuilding facility located on the inland waterway which provides easy access for service customers, delivery and sea trials of new vessels. Storage, dockage, crane services, hydraulic trailer and 75-ton Travelift onsite make for ease of handling to service vessels and for new construction.
Managing director Randall Borges said that the workboat division will focus on the design, manufacture and service of welded aluminum, composite and steel vessels. “USWatercraft will strive to meet the demands of private clients as well as the commercial marine industry through their service to domestic markets and globally for passenger vessels, military, law enforcement, fire and rescue, survey and much more," Borges said.
“We are fortunate to have the support of Masonboro, N.C., resident Richard Johnson who acquired the former Hatteras Yachts property in 2014,” Borges said. “Richard is a strong supporter of local economic development, and it is through his vision to revitalize marine manufacturing and service onsite that we are able to have this great opportunity”.
Additionally, Borges said the company will be able to take advantage of an existing, experienced workforce in the Hubert, N.C., area. “We look forward to working with them to expand training and further develop our workforce as we move this forward,” he said.
USWatercraft's parent company, Waterline Systems Inc., will also be relocating its Carolina Cockpit division to the Hubert facility. Established in 1988 Carolina Cockpit manufactures modular fiberglass deck structures which include pilothouses, wheelhouses, crane and equipment cabs, barge houses, tankerman's shelters, winch and ROV control stations, dredge cabs, recreational enclosures for the center console market and many land-based applications including molded fiberglass buildings and guard shacks.
